Ignition apparatus



Aug- 11, 1953 w. G. RoLosoN ET AL 2,648,791

IGNITIO APPARATUS Filed July 5, 194e 2 sheets-sheet 1 ATTORNEY.

w. G. RoLosoN ETAL `2,648,791

Aug. ll, 1953 IGNITION 'APPARATUS- 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 5, 1946 NVENTORS. um JWM BY i ,@cz/aam/ ATTORNEY.

Patented Aug. 1'1, 195.3

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Sidney, N. Y.,

assignors to Bendix Aviation Corporation, New York, N. Y., a. corporation of Delaware Application July 5, 1946, Serial No. 681,448

(Cl. S- 70) 18 Claims. 1

This invention relates to electrical apparatus and more particularly to current generating and distributing devices oi the character adapted for use in ignition systems of internal combustion engines.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a simplied magneto generator which is smaller and of lighter weight than prior structures of equal quality and having equal performance characteristics.

Another object of the invention is to provide a structure wherein a magneto generator and current distributing means are combined in a novel and advantageous manner.

A further object is to provide in apparatus of the above character a novel combination of elements for actuating a circuit maker and breaker in timed relation with a magneto and distributor rotor.

Still another object is to provide novel means for connecting and protecting the high tension outlet cables of an ignition distributor or the like.

Another object is to provide a novelly constructed rotor for a magneto generator and means for mounting the same to thereby conserve space and weight.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a novel magnetic rotor for a current generating device which embodies a minimum number of parts and is yet of sturdy construction and eiicient in operation.

Still another object is to provide novel means for mounting an ignition coil or the like in a magneto or other device.

The above and further objects and novel features of the invention Will more fully appear from the 'following detailed description when the same is read in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be expressly understood,Y however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and do not constitute a definition of the limits of the invention, reference for this latter purpose being had primarily to the appended claims.

i In the drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views, f

- Fig. l is a horizontal sectional View of one form of apparatus embodying the invention;

Fig, 2 is a side elevation of said apparatus partly-in section andwith parts broken away, the section 'being taken' substantially` on line 2;2 ofl+"-ig.1;'44 5 -l if Fig. -3-is anend Viewy looking 'fromfthe right in Fig. 1 with the coil enclosing portion II of the casing and its contents removed; and

Fig. 4 is a diagram of the electrical circuit of said apparatus.

A single embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings, by Way of example, in the form of a small hali-engine-speed magneto generator equipped with a six pole magnetic rotor and a distributor adapted for use in supplying high tension current to the spark plugs of a six cylinder engine in predetermined sequence. The embodiment illustrated comprises a Single twopart housing constituted by a body portion Ill and a cover portion II'. Said housing is adapted to be secured for limited angular adjustment on an engine casing (not shown) through the medium of slotted fianges I2 and suitable studs or bolts (not shown). The partsV of the housing are preferably secured together by means of a channel shaped strap I3 but other suitable means may be employed. Mounted within the housing is a magnetic rotor I l and an ignition coil I5 between which are positioned for suitable cooperation a distributor I6 and a circuit breaker mechanism I'I.

The novel and simplied magnetic rotor construction contemplated by the invention comprises a stub shaft I8 rotatably supported by plain or roller bearings I9, I9 in a tubular boss or bearing standard 2B that projects inwardly from the left side or end wall of casing member IU, as viewed in Fig. 1. In addition to supporting said shaft for rotation, said bearings serve to limit the endwise movement or thrust of the rotor shaft. The inner enlarged end of shaft I8 is threaded at EI and provided with a radially extending bevelled annular ilange 22. Mounted on said iiange and engaging the bevelled portion thereof is a ring or end plate 23 from which three or other suitable number of equally spaced pole shoes 24 project in the axial direction of the shaft.

A second set of pole shoes 25 are similar to pole shoes 24, but extend axially in the opposite direction from and alternate circumferentially with the latter. Pole shoes 25 are shown as being `integrally formed with a ring or end plate 26 that is mounted on a cylindrical member or sleeve 21 in engagement with a bevelled flange 28 on the latter. Said supporting cylinder or sleeve is internally threaded for cooperation with the threaded portion ZI of shaft IB and is thereby supported in spaced relation to boss 20 of casing member I U. Interposed between rings 23 and 2 6 of the pole shoe members and in good magacagsffoi J netic contact therewith is a cylindrical magnet which is axially magnetized so that pole shoes 24 and 25 are of opposite magnetic polarity, that is, all of the pole shoes 24 are of one polarity and all of the pole shoes 25 are of the opposite polarity. It will be noted that the pole shoe members and the magnet are `clamped together axially between flanges 22 and 28 by threading supporting sleeve 21 onto the threaded portion 2l of shaft I8. Relative rotation of shaft l, ring 23 and sleeve 21 may be prevented by -any suitable means such as a dowel 29, and similar or other suitable means may be provided for fixing sleeve 21 and ring 26 against relative angular mo.ve.. ment.

The pole shoes 24 and 25 cooperate in a well known manner with stator polel shoes (te and 33t, respectively, which are cast into or otherwise suitably secured in housing member Hi at opposite sides of rotor lli. The ends of stator shoes 3.0. and. 3;! have abutting maeoeiio oontaei with, the ends o f laminated. fiori. oollouetioe members 32 ano 13o., resoeetively, whioh are Similarly Secured in casing member il and; tightly embrace the ooi'e 35.4.01. ignition oeil it A magneti@ aux para tous. @emplea through. the windings ofthe coil. With the sig. pole rotor illustrated aud. the. two pole stator there will be Six rever sais of nu); throughY core 3d during each revolution or tide roter i4.

The distributor. meenemen @e ie ooreiy aaaociated withl they. above described parts andv comprises. a moloed bloot o1; head. ee. of. insulating material and aycornbined circuit breaker cam and distributor rotor. fconsisting for the most part of molded insulating material. Said rotor is securedv directly toUmagnetic vrotor. I4 by means orpflura'lity. olf, screws 37V. The latter extend through elongated slotst- (Fig. 3) in rotor inember 36 'to jus'ted'relative to; the magneticl rotor for timing purposes. Block'or headt has a close sliding into housing member il and `ilts against aA Shoulder., Bfirg. 2.5 to serve as a closure fior the coil' and condenser' compartment.

A plurality` or circularly arranged. electrodes @fanden electrode "lfl 'centrallyv disposed` with ctl'to he, theszare molded into or otherwise s curedlin` insulating block 35, Contact h a. with the high potentialv end oith second y winding G3.. of coil' whereas eachfoifthe,.electrodes it.' is connected to a. tertidiralj "i511T riinsulated. eoelsetv 45 ofE a. aloey and socket cnne'ctbrbyineans of a cable 5. vSaid sockets which may.. be of, any suitable construc- ""ar'e mountefclin.casingmember Il for receivnown vtypes or..A plug contactswhich may in nnetd; withfthe. spark plugs o the in tu n be en ine] ""heother endoi. thelcentral electrode lil.v of the distributor 'has' a brushing engagement with a'spryingl finger lilthat. ismounted on distributor rotrBby/,means.ofi a screw 43, The latter also securesfaradi' l projecting electroded inelec.- trfial. ngag rit/with spring. il and in. spark gap relation with, the stationary` electrodes 4D for' successive'. 'coop ationtherewith during rotation of the rotor.. Bloqlgrl. and rotor.. 3B are`.provided wTthoverlauoping or` tel.escopingA flanges. 5B and 5jrespectively,.whichs rve to prevent anyflashovers; or "sparlliingfbetween.` the distributor elec-` iod'a and trie. houeioef or. other. grounded.v oonduotioaoalrie.;

` The outer. 'oegeneral.l Siaffa-osa-v oi. foto?. 3e isy permit,l the latter to be angularly adber; or electrodeqjl is'permanently, connected provided with a suitable number of lobes 52 (siii in the illustrated embodiment) that are best seen in Fig. 3, which are eiective to actuate the circuit breaker mechanism Il. The latter may be of any suitable construction, but as illustrated the same comprises a spring-mounted metallic cam follower 53 that is in continuous engagement with the periphery of rotormember 3S, a spring mounted insulated contact 5i movable by the cam follower, and a stationary electrically grounded contact 55. The entire circuit breaker mechanism is preferably mounted on a rigid bracket 5e which is mounted for pivotal adjustment about a nxed pivot 51. The six lobes 52 provided on rotor member 36 are thus effective to cause separation and engagement of contacts 5d and 5.5. si); times during each revolution of the magneto rotor-once for each reversal of flux through coil l5.

Parts o the illustrated device including coil l5 and a. condenser. 5.2i are held in position and. in- Sulated from. one another Within compartiment in, cover member il byy a. .suitable insulating. compound 53 which is. preferably solid and when set and yet yielding or resilient.4 @orne pounds, Whieh. have been Iound suitable. tor this purpose. comprise polrmefaed oaalaeWfnut-sheli o1.` lnseed oil with. Suit. ble drying agents. The compound Completely fills the spaces within, around'coil l5 and aroiuid the cables,i condenser and terminal sockets, By. this.. insulating and securing these parts in position, the oost of. rua-k:A ine and; aaaerololing Said tarts. may. be. materielle reduced without any appreciable riskoty failures in operation- "iheyieldebiiity of the. filling material. also. euahione. the parte. against. shook. and. vibration.

Ae beet Seen in. Fie.. 2., Condenser,- as has one. terminal thereof grounded at tu( and the other terminal. thereof connected to. the inula'cd; contact or circuit breaker ifi throughz the medium of a resilient connecting means Si.. ri'fhe latter is also connected to the primary winding B2. of; the Coil ova eable... of and. to. thesoeket 6a. of. a grounding switch connection by means ofcable, 65.

In the operation of the above deeiibedstrucfture, shaft it, and. hence, magnetic rotor it, is driven at one-haiiE thespeed ofv thek engine cranl;m shaft1 through a suitable. connection, including gear` or splined: member 66, to av rotating Dart. oi? the engine. rlhe rotation# of. the rotoli creates' periodic reversals of flux througll coil I5 and hence generates anA alternatingY current, in1 the primary winding 52 in a manner which. is Well known to, those skilled inthe art. A15. predetermined intervals irltimed relationwith the rotor lli, the lobes 52 on rotor, member separateat contactsv 5d, 55, of-I the circuit breaker. therebyy breaking thecircuit through theprimary wind;k ine. This intern resuitsiutne induction of; ai high. voltage euirent. in Seeondary Winding.; 43.- whieh. i flows. through .Comtat-t. members; e2.' and et. Spline finger; @it and electrode e9, to.- one. of: the. stationary distributor electrodes dit; which, is,y inturn Connected to. a. Spank, plus. of',y the engine througheable 4.6.. "Ehe-apparatus. may loeren?. dered inoperative by connecting the insulated contact 5x41 ofwthe circuit,- brealer to ground through.- oable 6.5.. in. a Suitable. ground-ine. switch in a. weil known manner.-

The rotatab1ee.1.ementa otthe. above. described; device. may-be. driven. ifi-either direction. When the same are driven in a counter-cloekwisedimotion, as viewer` ir;y Eig.y 3, the; spilirief` meer; 41

and electrode 119 are mounted in the position indicated. When clockwise rotation is desired, these parts may be mounted at the position indicated by numeral 66.

There is thus provided a novelly constructed magneto generator which is of Vlight weight and yet of sturdy construction and which is extremely compact and of small size for its output capacity. Additionally, the construction embodies a -distributor encased with the magneto generator in a novel manner whereby space is conserved without increasing the danger of failures resulting from flash-overs or sparking. The novel construction also lends itself to quick and inexpensive assembly and disassembly, with all vital parts readily accessible for inspection and repair.

Although only a single embodiment of the invention is illustrated and described, it is to be expressly understood that the same is not limited thereto Various changes may be made in the design, size, composition and arrangement of parts Without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as the same will now be understood by those skilled in the art. -For a deiinition of the limits of the invention, reference is had primarily to the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. Ignition apparatus comprising a magnetic rotor, a cam member mounted on said rotor for operating a circuit breaker, and a distributor comprising an electrode mounted directly on and within said cam member and a distributor block having an input terminal and a plurality of circularly disposed output terminals operatively associated with said electrode, said block having an axially extending flange surrounding said terminals and extending into a recess in said cam member around said electrode.

2. Ignition apparatus comprising an ignition coil having primary and secondary windings, means including a rotor for energizing said coil, a circuit breaker in circuit with said primary wnding, a cam member mounted-on said rotor for periodically actuating said circuit breaker, and a distributor` comprising a resilient electrode finger mounted directly on and surrounded by said cam member and operatively connected to said secondary winding.

3. In apparatus of the class described a magnetic flux distributing rotor, a coil having primary and secondary windings adapted to be periodically energized upon rotation of said rotor, an electrical current distributing mechanism comprising a block Ehaving a plurality of circularly disposed output terminals and a rotatable electrode operatively connected with said secondary winding and being adapted to be periodically moved into spark gap relation with each of said output terminals, said electrode being mounted in a cup-like insulating member secured to said rotor, the outer periphery of said member having a cam surface formed thereon, and a circuit breaker in circuit with said primary winding and operable by said cam surface, said block having an annular flange surroundingsaid terminals and extending into said insulating member around said electrode.

4. In apparatus of the class described, a twopart metallic casing, a magnetic iiux distributing rotor mounted in one part of said casing, a cammember mounted on said rotor for rotation therewith, a circuit breaker operable by said cam member, an ignition coil comprising primary and secondary windings mounted in the, other part of said casing,

stator elements :mounted in and Y contacting both of said casing parts for magnetically connecting said rotor and saidcoil, a distributor block having an input terminal and a plurality of circularly arranged output terminals, said distributor block being mounted in the end of said other part of the casingand closely engaging said stator elements and the surrounding wall of said casing part, and means mounted on said cam element for operatively connecting said input terminal with said output terminals in a predetermined sequence upon rotation of t'he rotor, said block and cam member having overlapping oppositely extending annular iianges surrounding said output terminals and said lastnamed connecting means.

A5. In apparatus of the class describeda casing comprising a rst metallic part and a second metallic part adapted toV be secured together to form an enclosure, amagnetic flux distributing rotor and a circuit breaker mounted in said first part, a cam member mounted on said rotor for operating said circuit breaker, a distributor electrode mounted directly on and within said cam member, an ignition coil comprising primary and secondary windings mounted in said second part, means for magnetically connecting said rotor and coil, a distributor block mounted in and completely closing the open end of said second part, terminals in said distributor block operatively associated with said electrode when said casing parts are secured together, said block and cam member having overlappingV annular flanges surrounding said terminals and electrode, means for connecting said circuit breaker in circuit With said primary Winding, and means for connecting one of said terminals with said secondary winding.

6.In apparatus of the class described, a casing comprising -a rst part and a second part, a magnetic flux distributing rotor and a plurality of stator pole shoes mounted in said first part in cooperative relation with each other, a plurality of magnetic ux conducting bars mounted in and secured to said second part in end to end relation with said stator pole shoes when said first and second parts are secured together. and an ignition coil mounted in said second part and comprising a core extending between the inner end portions of said iiux conducting bars.

7. Ignition apparatus comprising a rotatable cam member for operating la circuit breaker, said member being made'of insulating material and having an annular channel in one face thereof adjacent its. periphery', a distributor electrode mounted on said member and extending radially from the axis of rotation of said member into said channel, and-a distributor block comprising an annular insulating ange extending into said channel, an input terminal operatively connected with said electrode at said axis .and a plurality of output terminals surrounded by said flange operativelyassociated with said electrode.

8. Electrical current distributing apparatus comprising a distributor block having a plurality of circularly arranged output terminals, a portion of each of said terminals extending along the inner wall of a circular flange projecting from the face of said block, ay rotor comprising an insulating member having -a channel shaped recess in "one face thereof for receiving said liange, and an electrode mounted'on said member for periodically cooperating with said portion of eachof said terminals during rotationof the rotor. i

9. Am'ag'netic flux distributing rotorl comprising a shaft` having a radially extending flange, a cylindrical sleeve having threaded engagement with a portion of said shaft adjacent said ilange, a cylindrical magnet surrounding said sleeve, a pair of end plates of magnetic material engaging opposite ends of said magnet, said magnet and plates being clamped between Said flange and a radially extending portion of said sleeve, a plurality of pole shoes extending axially in one direction from one of said end plates and circumferentially spaced about the magnet, and a like number of similar pole shoes extending in the opposite direction from the other of said end plates and 4alternating oirc'umferentially With said iirst named pole shoes.

10. A magnetic flux distributing rotor comprising a shaft having 'a ilange thereon and an enlarged externally threaded portion adjacent said harige, a cylindrical sleeve surrounding said shaft and having threaded engagement with said threaded portion, -a cylindrical magnet surrounding said sleeve, and a pair of end plates engaging opposite ends of said magnet, said magnet andplates being clamped between said harige and radially extending portions of said sleeve, each of said end plates having a plurality of pole shoes formed integrally therewith and extendh ing axially across said magnet externally thereof, the pole shoes of one end plate alternating circumferentially with the pole shoes on the other end plate.

1l. A magnetic iiux distributing rotor coinprising' a pair of rotatable plates each having a set of pole Shoes extending axially therefrom to ward the other plate, a cylindrical magnet interposed between and engaging said plates, a rotatable shaft, and a sleeve extending through said magnet and threadedly engaging said shaft for clamping said plates and magnet between a flange on said shaft and apoition of said sleeve.

12. A magnetic flux distributing rotor coinprising a cylindrical magnet, ya pair of pole shoe mem-bersl engaging' opposite ends of said magnet, a shaft extending through said magnet, and a sleeve extending' through said magnet and threadedly engaging saidshaft for securing all of said elements in assembled flatin, Said maginet and members being clamped between said sleeve and a flange on said shaft.`

13. In apparatus of the class described a casing member having an internal hollow boss, a shaft extending through said boss and rotatably supported therein, said shaft having an enlarged externally threaded portion adjacent the inner end thereof and a further enlarged portion con-A stituting a liange at said inner end, a pair of end plates having oppositely directed axially extending pole shoes alternating circumferentially with each other, a cylindrical axiallye-magnetized magnet surrounding' said boss, opposite ends 'of said magnet being in contact with said endv plates, 'and a sleeve surrounding said boss and extending through said magnet, said sleeve having threadedv Yengagement with said threaded portion 'of thev shaft for' `clamping said end plates and magnet between 'said flange and a 'radially extending portion of said sleeve. n

14. In' apparatus "of the class described an o'pen-endedca'sing member, a pairof flux con-f ducting bars `mounted in and secured to `said member, a flux yconducting core frictionally held between end portions of said bars, an ignition coil `connprising primaryv and secondary Awindings Wound on said core, a condenser in and `detached from said easing member, a plurality of termi# nal sockets extending into said member, means for closing the open end of said member, conducting elements in said last-named means eleotrically connected to said coil and condenser, and solid insulating means completely filling the closed spaced in said casing member around said coil,V condenser and terminal sockets.

l5. In apparatus of the class described, a casing comprising a first part `and a second part, a magnetic ilux distributing rotor mounted in said first part, an ignition coil having a core mounted in said second part, flux conducting means mounted in and secured to said rst part and operatively associated With said rotor, ux con; ducting means mounted in and secured to said second part and operatively associated with said core, said means being in abutting relation with each other, whereby periodic reversals of niag-` netic nux through said coil vare effected upon rotation of said rotor, and an ignition distributor interposed between said coil and rotor.

16. In apparatus of the class described, a casi ing comprising a first part and a second part, a magnetic fiux distributing rotor mounted in said first part, yan ignition coil havinga core mounted in said second part, ux conducting means mounted in and secured to said rst part and operatively associated with said rotor, flux cohducting means mounted in and secured to said second part and operatively associated with said core, said iirst named ux conducting means being in abutting relation with said second named ilux conducting means, whereby periodic reversals of magnetic flux through said coil are effected upon rotation of said rotor, and an ignition distributor interposed between said coil and. rotor, said distributor comprising a 'rotatable electrode carried by said rotor and a distributor block mounted. in and closing the openedl end of said second part.

1'7. In a magneto: the combination of a metal housing; a rotor in said housing; a stator having pole elements diametrically oppositev said rotor and extending longitudinally of the rotor and having a core member bridging the outer ends of said pole elements; an induction coil on said core member; an interior metal standard on said housing extending from one side of said housing into the space between said pole ele-` ments and terminating short of the other side of the housing; a journal bearing in said standard; a shaft of said rotor extending through said bearing; a breaker cam. on the end portion of. said shaft beyond said bearing; and a circuit breaker mounted on said housing in the space bettii'een said stator pole elements and including a movable breaker arm coacting with said carri.

18. In a 'magneto including a metal housing: the combination of an integral interior standard on said housing projecting from one wall thereof partially to the opposite Wall thereof; a rotor having. a shaft journalled in said standard and extending therebeyond; a stator having pole elements at opposite sides of said rotor and' extending longitudinally of the rotor past said standard, and a core element bridging the outer' end-s of said poleelements; 'an induction coil: on said core element; a breaker cam on an end of said shaft in the'spa-ce between said` pole elements; and a circuit breaker comprisingV a breaker Vat the outer side of said standard 10 having a free end portion actuatable by said Number Name Date breaker cam. 1,993,824 Bohli Mar. 12, 1935 WILLIAM GRAYDON ROLOSON. 2,071,536 Kalin Feb. 23, 1937 WALTER J. SPENGLER. 2,074,545 Harmon Mar. 23, 1937 5 2,088,029 McDermott July 27, 1937 References Cited in the file Of this patent 2,130,316 Cerf Sept. 13, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,243,269 V011 Tavel Maly 27, 1941 Number Name Date 2,352,894 Harmon July 4, 1944 1,104,793 Grmet July 28, 1914 lo 2,385,226 Ochsenbem Sept, 18, 1945 1,391,234 Aichele sept. 20, 1921 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,562,451 Howard NOV. 24, 1925 Number Country Date 1,640,936 Hawkins M -1 Aug. 30, 192'I 453,616 Great Britain sept. 15, 1936 1,693,345 Perry NOV- 27, 1923 527,969 Great Britain oct. 21, 1940 1,727,848 /Vilder Sept. 10, 1929 

